insta files friday: 10 innovative makeup artists

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it's also in the hands of a select few über-talented makeup artists. With a swipe of mascara or a dramatic contour, we can use makeup to tell a story (see: our alien and '90s-inspired beauty shoots). When you think about it, makeup is just another way we show our confidence and express how we feel.

Cick through the gallery to see our favorite makeup artists on Instagram.

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Michael Anthony (@manthony783)

Anthony creates some of the most out-of-this-world makeup looks (including our February beauty opener).

Isamaya Ffrench (@isamayaffrench)

“Makeup: It’s a mug’s game”—follow Isamaya for further proof that face painting isn’t just for carnivals.

Thom Walker (@thom.walker)

Thom’s instagram feed is full of clean, minimalist inspired looks. (Bonus: He's also Lindsay Lohan’s makeup artist)

Janessa Paré (@janessapare)

Follow Paré, one of our favorite New-York based makeup artists, for cool girl beauty inspo.

Mari Shten (@marishten)

Feed features: flawless skin beauty looks, some cool behind-the-scene snaps, and Shten's cool blue hair.

Clarissa Luna (@clarissalunanyc)

Follow for a look at Fifth Harmony’s makeup artist’s inspirations and creations.

Katie Mellinger (@ktmell)

Makeup should be colorful and fun—Mellinger gets it. 

Lisa Houghton (@lisahoughton)

Rainbow eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. Scroll through for favorite eye palettes and colorful eye creations.

Lisa Eldridge (@lisaeldridgemakeup)

Not only an Instagram favorite, but also a major youtube beauty guru.

Sir John (@sjblife)

Sir John's feed features inspirational quotes, front row fashion beauty looks, and Beyoncé, Beyoncé, Beyoncé. (After all, he is Beyoncé’s makeup artist.)